Four Department of Pediatrics Faculty Recently Honored with National Awards

Four Indiana University School of Medicine faculty members in the Department of Pediatrics were recently honored with national awards from four organizations; JDRF, the American Society of Nephrology, the American Society of Society of Gene and Cell Therapy and the American Pediatric Society.

Linda DiMeglio- International JDRF George Eisenbarth Award for Type I Diabetes Prevention

Linda DiMeglio, MPH, MD, is the Edwin Letzter Professor of Pediatrics and the Division Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology and specializes in pediatric endocrinology for Pediatric Diabetes & Endocrinology. Dr. DiMegilo was awarded the George Eisenbarth Award for Type 1 Diabetes Prevention by JDRF which recognizes outstanding efforts in Type 1 diabetes research. This award is named after esteemed researcher George Eisenbarth, MD, PhD, who provided the foundation for predicting Type 1 diabetes and identifying novel approaches toward prevention and cures, the award recognizes researchers who have made great contributions to preventing Type 1 diabetes.

“JDRF is thrilled to present this award to Dr. DiMeglio and recognize her clinical excellence and leadership in Type 1 diabetes research,” said JDRF Chief Scientific Officer Sanjoy Dutta, PhD. “Dr. DiMeglio’s leadership in building international consensus for early-stage T1D monitoring is remarkable, and the resulting guidance will have a tremendous impact on the future of T1D care and treatment.”

David Hains, MD, MBA- Mid Career Award from Pediatric Nephrology Society

David Hains, MD, MBA, is the Byron P. & Frances D. Hollett Professor of Pediatric Nephrology, a professor of microbiology & immunology, and an adjunct professor of medical & molecular genetics. He is also the Division Chief of Pediatric Nephrology and specializes in Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Diseases. Dr. Hains was awarded the Mid Career Award from the Pediatric Nephrology Society which recognizes his contributions to teaching, education, research, mentorship, and advocacy by the American Society of Nephrology. This award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of pediatric nephrology through their clinical service, research, or education of trainees and or/junior faculty.

“I am extremely humbled and honored to be selected for the ASPN Mid-Career Award. The ASPN has lifted and shaped my career in so many ways. Even more so, the ASPN community has provided me a supportive network of friends, collaborators, and mentors,” said Dr. Hains. “The ASPN has been critical in our success at IU to recruit as well as elevate the careers of Pediatric Nephrology faculty and learners. Such a great honor and can’t thank my team and nominators enough.”

Roland Herzog, PhD- Exemplary Service Award

Roland Herzog, PhD, is a Professor of Pediatrics, Riley Children's Foundation Professor of Immunology, and Director of the Gene and Cell Therapy Program. He was awarded the Exemplary Service Award from the American Society of Society of Gene and Cell Therapy. This award recognizes individuals for their outstanding contributions to ASGCT and their commitment to the Society’s mission to advance knowledge, education, and awareness of gene and cell therapy. Exemplary service may include significant and sustained leadership, expertise, and/or creativity in addressing issues of importance to ASGCT.

During the annual meeting of the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) in Baltimore, Dr. Herzog was honored on May 10th, 2024, with the society’s Exemplary Service Award for a decade of leadership as editor-in-chief of two of its journals. First, Dr. Herzog developed the newly launched journal Molecular Therapy – Methods and Clinical Development into a leading publication in the gene therapy field. Subsequently, Dr. Herzog led ASGCT’s flagship journal, Molecular Therapy, to unprecedented heights in impact factor, quality, and global influence, placing it firmly among the leading journals in biomedical research.

Rachel Katzenellenbogen, MD- 2024 Norman J. Siegel Outstanding Science Award Recipient

Rachel Katzenellenbogen, MD, is the Richard E. and Pauline P. Klingler Professor of Pediatrics, a professor of microbiology & immunology, the Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine, and specializes in Pediatrics Adolescent Medicine. Dr. Katzenellenbogen was awarded the 2024 Norman J. Siegel Outstanding Science Award for her considerable contributions to pediatric science by the American Pediatric Society. This award was created in honor of one of the world’s leading nephrologists, Norman J. Siegel, MD, FASN. Dr. Siegel was an outstanding teacher and mentor, nurturing the early careers of numerous fellows and residents. He was a leader within the medical community and educated the parents of the children he treated and left a lasting impression on their families.

APS President, Dr. Michael DeBaun, commented, “Dr. Katzenellenbogen is an extraordinarily talented physician-scientist who is an established investigator and leader in national human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and associated cancers. She serves our national organizations generously in various leadership positions, is an outstanding role model for all trainees, particularly young women, and has a passion for developing this underrepresented group of trainees. Finally, she is an exemplary and visionary leader in health on both a regional and national level. She is also the co-director of the Center for HPV Research at IU and the co-leader of the Cancer Prevention Program at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.”